Domaine de Chevalier of the Pessac-Leognan appellation is classified as a Grand Cru Classe de Graves. The property belonged to the Ricard family from 1865 until it was purchased by its current owners, the Bernard family, in 1983. It is one of a very few Bordeaux estates to have kept its “domaine” title instead of using the the more popular “chateau” designation.

The estate covers a hundred hectares, of which 45 are under vine: 40 for the property’s red wines, and 5 for its whites. The vineyards are planted with 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot for the red wines, and 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon for the white wines. Soils are dark sand and fine white gravel.

Domaine de Chevalier has been run since acquisition by Olivier Bernard, who perpetuates that spirit of balance and the constant drive for perfection which have been the hallmark of their outstanding wines. The flagship red belongs to the elite of the great classified growths of Bordeaux, while the white is recognized as one of the world’s finest dry wines. The domaine also produces red and white second wines under the Esprit de Chevalier label, which are made from the estate’s young vines.

Olivier Bernard has this to say about his red wines: “Domaine de Chevalier rouge has good structure and a great deal of finesse, complexity, and aging potential – which does not exclude a smooth, fruity quality that makes it enjoyable in its youth. Always balanced, never aggressive, power is by no means the priority...”

Assistant General Manager, Rémi Edange adds: “Chevalier’s red wines are well-structured with round, very fine, tight-knit tannin... They are tremendously elegant and distinguished with a very long aftertaste and more delicacy than power...”

The 2023 Domaine de Chevalier, a Bordeaux Blend from the Pessac Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is a highly acclaimed red wine. This wine showcases a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. It is known for its balanced complexity and traditional style, matured in a mix of barrels, including 40% new oak.

James Suckling praises it with a score of 98 points, highlighting the "blackberry, blackcurrant, chocolate, and flint aromas" and appreciating its "beautiful framing of fine tannins." He emphasizes the purity of the ripe fruit, noting that the Cabernet Sauvignon is particularly prominent (jamessuckling.com).

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, represented by Yohan Castaing, scores it 96 points. The review describes a "perfumed, incipiently complex bouquet of dark wild berries, cassis, rose petals, spices, and licorice." The wine is noted for its "fleshy core of fruit framed by powdery tannins and bright acids," culminating in a "long, saline, gently oak-inflected finish" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate).

Neal Martin of Vinous also scores it 96 points, describing it as "quintessential 'DdC' on the nose" with "black fruit, sous-bois, and hints of black olive." He notes its "wonderful focus and delineation" with a "tremendously long and satisfying saline finish" (Vinous).

Jane Anson gives it 95 points, recognizing it as "one of the benchmark wines of a vintage." She comments on its "great depth of ink, cassis, bilberry, and damson fruits," noting its tannic grip and carefully judged oak. She mentions the reduced yield of 30 hectoliters per hectare (janeanson.com).

Jeff Leve scores it 97 points, describing an aromatic profile of "blackberries, black cherries, barbecue smoke, cedar, smoked mint, and cigar box." The wine is "chewy, fresh, long, concentrated, and complex," with a finish reminiscent of "peppery currants dripped over Cuban cigars" (TheWineCellarInsider.com).

Jeb Dunnuck and The Wine Independent both score it 96 points. Dunnuck notes the emergence of "cassis, spring flowers, graphite, black cherries, and some smoky nuances," while Lisa Perrotti-Brown of The Wine Independent describes its "deep garnet-purple color" and a palate with "firm, grainy tannins and bright acidity" (jebdunnuck.com, The Wine Independent).

Decanter also awards it 95 points, highlighting "cool blue fruit and tobacco leaf" with a "Pauillac-like power" and a mid-palate that is "brisk and true to the style of the estate" (Decanter).

Overall, the 2023 Domaine de Chevalier is a well-crafted, traditional Bordeaux blend that has garnered high praise for its complexity, balance, and aging potential.